Human-bearing inflatable device

ABSTRACT

An inflatable device serving in one or more roles as furniture and/or equipment for exercise, recreation, and/or therapeutic equipment, or in some combination of these functions is disclosed. The device consists of an inflatable base ( 2 ) with one or more cavities or holes, with rounded inflatable spheroid(s) ( 1 ) in said cavities or holes. The device may optionally include a system of straps ( 3  and  4 ) or a form-fitting covering around the base, which may serve to correct an asymmetry in said base. The device may include a weighted base ( 11 ). The device may also include means for generating lights, sound, and/or video ( 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12,  and/or  13 ) responsive to the actions of users on or around the device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED R & D

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTINGCOMPACT DISK APPENDIX

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to human-bearing inflatables and moreparticularly pertains to multi-function inflatables serving in one ormore roles as furniture or as exercise/recreation/therapy equipment.

Human-bearing inflatables are used as furniture as well as exercise,recreational, and therapy devices. However, few devices of the prior artare significantly multi-function, and none combine the benefits of lowcost, robustness, and multi-functionality. Simple, rounded shapes withminimal seams and seals offer the highest robustness and lowestmanufacturing costs, but generally lack multifunctionality. For example,large rubber and PVC balls (“Swiss balls”, “Pilates balls”, etc.) arewidely used for exercise and therapy, but their tendency to roll makesthem unsafe for inexperienced users and limits their usefulness asfurniture. Ball chairs and ball supports, which hold a ball in a shallowplastic or metal ring, require non-inflatable and costly additionalcomponents and do not support intensive recreational-exerciseactivities. Inner tubes, which, like balls, are also a low-cost androbust shape, are limited by their shape to a few recreational uses,even with added handles, tow points, etc. (E.g. U.S. Pat. No.5,476,404.) Furthermore, mass-produced inner tubes are oftenunattractively asymmetrical when inflated outside of tires.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, an inflatable device comprisesan inflated spheroid and an inflated base sized so as to fit together toform a stable form suitable for seating, recreation and/or exercise.These can consist of mass-produced molded components (i.e. an exerciseball and a mass-produced inner tube), providing a high degree ofrobustness at low cost.

The device may include one or more additional options. It may include asystem of straps or a form-fitting covering for correcting someasymmetry in the base form. It may include equipment for controllingand-or generating sound, lights and-or video responsive to the actionsof person(s)on or around the device. It may also incorporate a weightedbottom to prevent excessive movement during use.

Objects and Advantages

Accordingly, besides the objects and advantages of the human-bearinginflatable described in my above patent, several objects and advantagesof the present invention are:

(a) to form a human-bearing inflatable device capable of serving asfurniture and/or equipment for exercise, recreation, and/or therapy;

(b) to reduce the cost of manufacturing by employing mass-producedcomponents;

(c) to form a highly portable human-bearing inflatable device;

(d) to form a highly robust human-bearing inflatable device;

(e) to provide, optionally, a simple means for correcting any asymmetryin the base component;

(f) to provide, optionally, a sound, lights, and/or video showresponsive to users' movements; and

(g) to incorporate, optionally, a weighted bottom to prevent excessivemovement during use.

Still further objects and advantages will become apparent from aconsideration of the ensuing description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, drawings relating to the same embodiment have the samenumber but different alphabetic suffixes.

FIG. 1A is a top view of the simplest embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1B is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C is a bottom view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1D is a sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A is a top view of an embodiment of the invention incorporating ameans for correcting some asymmetry in the base component.

FIG. 2B is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2C is a bottom view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2D is a sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3A is a top view of an embodiment of the invention incorporating ameans for generating a sound, lights, and/or video show responsive tousers' movements using sensors and DSP.

FIG. 3B is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3C is a bottom view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3D is a sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3E is a detail view of the sectional view shown in FIG. 3D.

FIG. 3F is a schematic illustration of the functional relationshipsbetween the interactive components of this embodiment.

FIG. 4A is a top view of an embodiment of the invention incorporating ameans for generating a sound, lights, and/or video show responsive tousers' movements using switches.

FIG. 4B is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4C is a bottom view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4D is a sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4E is a detail view of the sectional view shown in FIG. 4D.

FIG. 4F is a schematic illustration of the functional relationshipsbetween the interactive components of this embodiment.

FIG. 5A is a top view of an embodiment of the invention incorporating ameans for weighting the bottom of the device to prevent excessivemovement.

FIG. 5B is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5C is a bottom view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5D is a sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5A.

Although the drawings show a scale and suggest certain proportionsbetween elements of the illustrated embodiments, the invention isintended to encompass a range of sizes and proportions appropriate forthe multiple functions described and users of all sizes.

REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS

-   1 inflatable spheroid-   2 inflatable base-   3 straps surrounding base-   4 inside diameter-defining strap-   5 straps crossing underside of device-   6 light source-   7 sound generator-   8 video generator-   9 analog to digital converter-   10 sensor-   11 weight-   12 digital signal processor-   13 switch

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION FIGS. 1A-1D: Preferred Embodiment

FIGS. 1A-1D depict a preferred embodiment of the invention. In thisembodiment, the device is composed of an inflatable spheroid 1 and aninflatable base 2 with a center hole, sized so that said spheroid sitssecurely in said hole. In a preferred embodiment, the spheroid is madeof rubber or PVC, similar to any large exercise or “Pilates” ball.Alternatively, it may be made of any material forming a rounded shapethat can support the weight of a person. In additional preferredembodiments, said spheroid is an ellipsoid, egg-shape, rounded-endcylinder, or another generally rounded shape fitting securely into theopening of base 2.

In a preferred embodiment, said base 2 comprises an inner tube, such asthose used in car, truck, and tractor tires. In additional embodiments,said base comprises an inflatable form with one or more cavities orholes in which one or more spheroid(s) of said type may sit securely.Said base can be made from rubber, PVC, neoprene, or other materialappropriate for a human-bearing inflatable. In an additional embodiment,the spheroid and/or base incorporate handles.

In accordance with the present invention, alternative embodiments mayuse proportions between the base form and the spheroid form differentfrom those shown in the figures to optimize the device for a particularmode of use. The spheroid 1 and base 2 may be sized to seat individualsof a particular size on the base 2 with the spheroid 1 as a back rest.In this application, an ellipsoidal or cylindrical spheroid may beemployed to provide a better back rest. Alternatively, the spheroid 1and base 2 may be sized to seat individuals of a particular size on thespheroid 1 with the base 2 as a foot rest. For other uses, the optimalproportions will be apparent to anyone skilled in the art.

A pad may be placed around the device (or incorporated into the device)in any of the described embodiments to prevent injury in case a userfalls off of the device.

FIGS. 2A-2D: Additional Embodiment

FIGS. 2A-2D depict an embodiment similar to that of FIGS. 1A and 1B,with the addition of a system of straps 3 and 4 surrounding the base 2.In a preferred embodiment, this system consists of a set of strapsencircling the base in several places as shown in the figures. Thebase-surrounding straps 3 can be kept in their proper positions byfixing them to an additional strap 4 encircling the base's innerdiameter. The straps 3 and 4 may consist of nylon, polypropylene,fabric, rubber, or any other material strong and flexible enough tosurround the base while deflated, inflated, and under use. The picturesshow four base-surrounding straps 3. In accordance with the invention,however, the system could include any number of such straps.

In a preferred embodiment, each base-surrounding strap 3 may include abuckle, snap, velcro, or other closure device to allow the system to beeasily installed and removed. Said closure devices may allow the lengthsof the straps to be changed individually. In an alternative embodiment,each of these straps 3 is sewn together around the base. In either casethe base-surrounding straps 3 can correct for asymmetry in the base byconstraining its expansion as it inflates. This system may serveadditional or alternative purposes, such as to provide attachment pointsfor a decorative or protective covering, handles, head rest(s), footrest(s), sensors, switches, lights, speakers, etc. An example of suchuse is shown in FIGS. 3A-3F and FIGS. 4A-4F.

As an alternative embodiment, the system around the base consists of aform-fitting covering, rather than, or in addition to straps. Thiscovering may serve to correct asymmetry by constraining the expansion ofthe base as it is inflated; it may also provide attachment points for anadditional decorative/protective covering as mentioned above. Thisform-fitting covering may consist of fabric, mesh, neoprene, rubber, orsome combination of these or other materials capable of serving one ormore of the above-mentioned purposes.

Additional embodiments include having a head rest on top of thespheroid, an injury-preventing pad extending around the edge of thebase, handles attached to the straps, or some combination of theseadditional elements.

It will be evident to those skilled in the art that the above-describedstraps, covering(s), handles, etc. may be employed on any of thefollowing embodiments as well.

FIGS. 3A-3F: Additional Embodiment

FIGS. 3A-3F illustrate an embodiment of the present inventionincorporating components to generate some combination of sound, lights,and/or video responsive to user(s) actions on and/or around the device.Components 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 1 2 are attached to additional straps 5which run across the bottom of the device and are anchored to the baseitself or to the straps/covering. FIG. 3F shows the functionalrelationship of these components.

As shown in FIG. 3E, one or more sensor elements 10 can be positionedbetween a strap 5 and spheroid 1 to detect and/or measure users'activity on spheroid 1. The sensor 10 may be a pressure sensor such aspiezoresistors, or a quantum-tunneling composite (such as thoseavailable from Peratech Ltd.). It may incorporate voltage sources and/orvoltage dividers to generate a signal measurable by analog to digitalconverter 9. Such pressure sensors may also be placed under variousparts of the device (such as under the base 2, or off-center underspheroid 1) to sense the weight and movement of users on various partsof the device. In further additional embodiments, other types of sensorsmay be placed on or around the device to sense user activity in thoseareas. These may be accelerometers, proximity sensors (electromagnetic-,IR-, or ultrasound-based), photosensors, piezoelectric sensors,microphones, temperature gauges, or other type(s) which can detect ormeasure the activity of users on or around the device.

The functional connections of the interactive components are illustratedin FIG. 3F. The sensors' output attaches to the input of the analog todigital converters 9. The digital output of said converters is connectedto the digital signal processor (DSP) 12, the output of which connectsto some combination of light source(s) 6, sound generators 7, and/orvideo generators 8. The digital signal processor 1 2 consists ofcomputer(s) and/or circuitry capable of translating digital sensor datainto analog voltages and/or digital data to control the actuators 6-8.In a preferred embodiment, said DSP 12 consists of a digital computerwith appropriate ports and programming. The output of DSP 12 is somecombination of analog audio (e.g. mono, stereo, Dolby 5.1, etc.), analogvideo (e.g. composite, S-video, RGB, HD, VGA, etc.), other voltageoutput (e.g. control signals), digital audio (e.g. SPDIF, Firewireaudio, digital Dolby surround, etc.), digital video (e.g. DV, DVI,etc.), and/or digital control signals (e.g. MIDI, RS-232, USB, Firewire,etc.).

The light sources 6 are some combination of light bulbs, rope lights,LEDs, electroluminescent material, or other light source (with anynecessary power supply or control circuitry) whose output can becontrolled by control signals (analog or digital) output by DSP 12.FIGS. 3C and 3D show such a light source underneath the device; however,they may also be on or around the device.

In a preferred embodiment, the sound generator(s) 7 consist of one ormore amplifiers connected to one or more speakers. In additionalembodiments, said sound generators include audio synthesis capabilitiescontrolled by the DSP 12 (e.g. by MIDI signals). Portions of soundgenerator 7 may be incorporated in the device (e.g. FIG. 3C) while otherportions (such as speakers) may be external to the device.

In a preferred embodiment, the video generator 8 comprises one or morecomputers programmed to create video output in response to controlsignals from DSP 12. Alternatively it may comprise a dedicated videosynthesizer/generator operating in response to control signals from theDSP 12. In either case the video generator 8 may be connected (using ananalog or digital signal) to one or more display devices such as a CRT,video projector, plasma screen display, LCD, etc. The DSP 12 may alsofeed video directly to such display device(s) without use of a videogenerator 8.

FIGS. 4A-4F: Additional Preferred Embodiment

FIGS. 4A-4F illustrate an embodiment of the present invention allowingfor switches 13 to control the interactive components 6, 7, and/or 8,without requiring a DSP 12. Additional straps 5 across the bottom of thedevice provide anchor points for components 6, 7, 8, and 13.

FIG. 4F shows the functional relationship of these components. In thisembodiment, user(s) actions actuate switches 13 which directly controlthe output of some combination of light sources 6, sound generators 7,and/or video generators 8. In a preferred embodiment, the switches 13consist of mechanical switches or quantum tunneling composite switches.In this embodiment, the switches 13 vary in resistance according touser(s) actions, controlling the flow of current to components 6, 7,and/or 8. In an alternative embodiment, the switches 13 incorporatecircuits, such as voltage dividers, to generate voltages which controlcomponents 6, 7, and/or 8. The switches 13 may include sensors such aspiezoresistors, quantum-tunneling composites, accelerometers, proximitysensors (electromagnetic-, IR-, or ultrasound-based), photosensors,piezoelectric sensors, microphones, temperature gauges, or any othersensor which can control current flow or generate a voltage in responseto the presence and/or activity of users.

FIGS. 5A and 5B: Additional Preferred Embodiment

In this embodiment, a weight 11 is incorporated into the device byattaching it to the system of straps 3 and 4. In a preferred embodiment,the weight 11 is a hollow container of plastic, fabric, rubber, or otherappropriate material, filled with a dense material such as water, sand,or lead shot. Alternately it may consist of any shape fitting below thedevice weighing enough to substantially limit displacement of the devicewhen used. The weight may also be incorporated into the spheroid 1and/or the base 2, either as an additional fillable compartment in oneor both inflatables or by placing a dense material in one or bothinflatables. Weighting of the device as described may be incorporatedinto any of the previously described embodiments.

Advantages

From the description above, a number of advantages of the describedinflatable device become apparent:

(a) The device can be used as furniture and/or as equipment forexercise, recreation, and/or therapy.

(b) The device can be formed from inexpensive mass-produced components.

(c) The device can be highly compact and portable when deflated.

(d) The device can be robust enough for vigorous use.

(e) Asymmetry in inflated components can be easily corrected.

(f) The device can provide a sound, lights, and/or video show responsiveto users' activity.

(g) The device can be weighted to prevent excessive displacement duringuse.

Operation of Preferred Embodiment

In its most basic preferred embodiment (shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B), thedevice has multiple potential uses as furniture and as equipment forexercise, recreation, and/or therapy. One or more users may sit, and/orbounce on the base 2, using the spheroid 1 as a back rest. A user maysit on the spheroid 1, placing feet on the base 2 or on the ground. Anadditional, smaller form of the device can be used as a foot rest. Userscan also lie on the spheroid 1 or the base 2, stand on the base 2, leanon the base 2, kneel on the base 2, or position themselves on the devicein a variety of ways. In an embodiment including handles, users maygrasp the handles while lying supine or prone on the spheroid 1 for anupper body stretch or workout.

For exercise, recreation, or therapy, users can bounce or stretch in anyof the above positions, perform stretches over the spheroid 1, performfloor exercises with parts of their bodies on the device, or enjoy anynumber of other positions and activities. Most ball-based exercises canbe performed on the device, with the added safety of the stabilityprovided by the base 2. New exercises are also made possible, such asbalancing on the stabilized spheroid 1. The spheroid 1 can also beremoved from the base 2 to perform conventional ball exercises.

The addition of straps or a form-fitting covering on the base 2 (e.g.FIGS. 2A and 2B) allows for the correction of some asymmetry in the base2, as well as providing attachment points for additionaldecorative/protective coverings or interactive components. Thecorrection may be achieved by selective tightening of the straps 3surrounding the base 2, or the straps/covering may be manufactured in aform that will enforce symmetry as the base 2 is inflated. A covering ofthe base 2 may protect from sharp objects, abrasion, sunlight, and/orexcessive temperature.

In the interactive embodiments (e.g. FIGS. 3A-3F and 4A-4F), users mayinteract with the device in any of the above-described ways, with thedevice providing lights, sound, and/or video responsive to user(s)activity. In the DSP-based embodiment (i.e. FIGS. 3A-3F), sensors 10detect and/or measure the presence, movement, and/or weight of users.The sensor signals are digitized by the A/D converters 9; this digitaldata is then used by the DSP 12 (which may include digital and/or analogoutputs) to drive some combination of light sources 6, sound generators7, and/or video generators 8. A multimedia show controlled by theuser(s) is thus created. In a preferred embodiment, the sensors 10 arepressure sensors generating a waveform representing a user's bouncing onthe device. In this preferred embodiment the DSP 12 converts thepressure data into music, flashing lights, and/or a video show (bydriving corresponding components 7, 6, and 8), with a rhythm matchingthat of the user's bouncing, encouraging further use.

In the switch-based embodiment (i.e. FIGS. 4A-4F), the presence,movement, and/or weight of users affects the output of switches 13. Theswitch output directly controls some combination of light sources 6,sound generators 7, and/or video generators 8. A multimedia showcontrolled by the user(s) is thus created. In a preferred embodiment,the rhythm of the generated show matches that of a user's activity.

In the additional embodiment incorporating a weight 11, the mass of thedevice is increased and its center of gravity lowered, reducing thedevice's movement during intensive use. In a preferred embodiment, theweight 11 is hollow, so that it may be shipped or transported empty.

Conclusion, Ramifications, and Scope

Accordingly, the reader will see that the inflatable device of thisinvention can be used as furniture and asexercise/recreational/therapeutic equipment. It can be constructed frominexpensive components (i.e. exercise balls and inner tubes). Asymmetryin the base can be corrected easily, ensuring the device's attractiveappearance. The device can respond interactively to user(s) actions bygenerating lights, sound, and/or video responsive to their actions,enriching the experience of using the device and making it anaudio-visual instrument. It can also be weighted to prevent excessivemovement during intensive use.

Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the appendedclaims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.

1. An inflatable device serving in one or more roles as furniture,exercise device, amusement device, recreational device, and/ortherapeutic device, comprising: (a) an inflated form of substantiallytoroidal shape with a center cavity or hole; and (b) an inflated form ofsubstantially rounded shape, with a bottom portion fitting securely insaid center cavity or hole, placed in said center cavity or hole.
 2. Thedevice of claim 1 wherein a plurality of straps or other coveringsurrounds said toroid.
 3. The device of claim 1 wherein a plurality ofstraps or other covering surrounds said toroid, whereby some deviationin said inflated toroidal form from the ideal toroid shape is at leastpartially corrected.
 4. The device of claim 2 wherein handles areaffixed to said straps or other covering.
 5. The device of claim 1incorporating means to control one or more light, sound, and/or videosources in a way responsive to users' actions on and/or around thedevice.
 6. The device of claim 1 incorporating a weighted bottom.
 7. Aninflatable device serving in one or more roles as furniture, exercisedevice, amusement device, recreational device, and/or therapeuticdevice, comprising: (a) an inflated form of substantially toroidal shapewith a center cavity or hole; and (b) an inflated form of substantiallyrounded shape, with a bottom portion fitting securely in said centercavity or hole, placed in said center cavity or hole; and (c) aplurality of straps or other covering surrounding said toroid.
 8. Thedevice of claim 5 incorporating means to control one or more light,sound, and/or video sources in a way responsive to users' actions onand/or around the device.
 9. The device of claim 5 wherein said strapsor other covering serve to at least partially correct some deviationfrom the ideal toroid shape in said inflated toroidal form.
 10. Thedevice of claim 2 wherein handles are affixed to said straps or othercovering.
 11. The device of claim 5 incorporating a weighted bottom. 12.An inflatable device capable of bearing the weight of a human being,serving in one or more roles as furniture, exercise device, amusementdevice, recreational device, and/or therapeutic device, comprising: (a)an inflated form with one or more cavities or holes; and (b) one or moreinflated forms of substantially rounded shape, each with a bottomportion fitting securely in one of said cavities or holes, placed insaid cavities or holes.
 13. The device of claim 1 2 wherein straps orother covering surrounds said toroid.
 14. The device of claim 1 2wherein a plurality of straps or other covering surrounds said toroid,whereby some deviation in said inflated toroidal form from the idealtoroid shape is at least partially corrected.
 15. The device of claim 13 wherein handles are affixed to said straps or other covering.
 16. Thedevice of claim 12 incorporating means to control one or more light,sound, and/or video sources in a way responsive to users' actions onand/or around the device.
 17. The device of claim 12 incorporating aweighted bottom.